World Habitat Day Being Observed Today

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Publish : 06 Oct 2025, 09:11 AM

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Today, October 6, marks the observance of World Habitat Day. Since 1986, World Habitat Day has been celebrated annually on the first Monday of October.

This year, the theme for the day is 'Urban Crisis Response', which has been locally interpreted as: "The Path of Planned Development, Response to Urban Problems."

Various programs have been organized across the country, including in the capital, Dhaka, to mark the occasion. The Chief Adviser of the interim government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has issued a message regarding the day.

Programs and Events

The Ministry of Housing and Public Works has undertaken several programs. These include a key discussion meeting scheduled for 10:00 AM on Monday in the 'Hall of Fame' at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre.

Attendees at the discussion will include Adilur Rahman Khan, Adviser for Housing and Public Works and Industry; Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Water Resources; and Gwen Lewis, UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh.

Additionally, a rally will be held tomorrow, starting at 8:30 AM from Zia Udyan and concluding at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre.

Exhibition and Seminars

To celebrate the day, an exhibition will be held on October 6 and 7 in the lobby of the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre. Various departments and agencies under the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, including REHAB, RAJUK, the Department of Architecture, and the Department of Urban Planning, will display products and services related to the housing and construction sectors.

Seminars have also been organized in alignment with the World Habitat Day theme and the principle of 'Housing for All.' The presenters and their topics include:

Professor Dr. Sudipti Biswas (MIST): "Resilient Community Oasis: Inclusive Public Open Spaces for Earthquake Preparedness"
Ushatan Mehera Khushi (Governing Body Member, National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam University): "An Assessment of Informal Settlement and Low-Cost Housing Initiatives in Bangladesh: Failures, Success, Factors and a Framework for Sustainable Urban Development"
Country Director, Habitat for Humanity: "Journey Toward Housing Solution Amid the Urban Crisis"

The Day will also be celebrated at all divisional and district levels, with souvenirs being published and banners, posters, and festoons displayed in prominent locations.

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